POLICE COURT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XII, Issue 259, 12 April 1889, Page 2

POLICE COURT.

PAiiMERSTON, 9th April

(Before Messrs Hirst & Mowlem J.Fs.) FORGERY. George Jackson aud Joseph Trainor were charged with altering a cheque for £1 on or about March 12 at Palmerston North. Sergeant Manniug having stated the facts of the case, called the following evidence : -R. P. lidwards, flaxmill proprietor, in conjunction with A Peteison at Oroua Downs, said the two accused were in his crn ploy from February 12 to March 2 last On the latter date the accused left the camp to go to the A^anganui races. Trainor did not return, but Jackson returned three weeks later, and said he was going to Wanganui to train racehorses.

. Charles Carter, flaxmill owner in conjunction with bis father at Moutoa.knew aman named Albert Dixon, known also as Bert. Dixon was in the firm's employ prior to March. The firm had a banking account at Bank of Australasia, Foxton. The cheque produced, dated February 28, was originally made out for £1 in favour of Dixon, and was given to Dixon about March Ist by witness.

The cheque had since been altered from £1 to £81, and the writing was blacker and had bean written over. The original writing was still perceptible in places. Never authorised anyone to alter tbe cheque. Albert Dixon, flaxmill hand in the employ of Messrs • arter at Miutoa, received a cheque for £1 about March Ist from 0. F. Carter. Cashed the cheque on March 2od, with Mr Coddling, boardinghouse-keeper, receiving 19s in change. Thomas Codling, boardinghouse keeper at Palcnerston, deposed to having cashed a cheque for £1, drawn by Messrs Carter f>r the last witness in payment of a meal, gave the cheque in payment of an account to Mr J. McDowell on the same day. James McDowell, draper, Palmerston, deposed to having received the cheque in question from Mr Codliug. Paid the cheque away to Mr Moore in cashing another cheque on the same day or shortly afterwards. Albert Gh Moore, insurance agent, had had conversations with the accused with regard to insurance at Edward's flax mill. Saw Jactacnj. on or about \pril 6 on the railway station at Palmerston. Jackson asked witness if he could change a cheque for him for £2 odd. "Witness, not having the change, cashed the cheque at Mr McDowell's shop, receiving in exchange the £1 cheque drawn by Messrs Carter and the balance in silver Gave the £l cheque and ot l) er change to Jackson forthwith. Saw the two accused together at the Wanganui races on March 7th and Bth. The cheque was for £1 only when witness gave the cheque to Jackson. George H»we, licensee of the Clarendon Hotel, Palmerßton North, knew tbe accused Ttaioor, who whs in tbe Claren. don on Tuesday, March 12. Did not know Jackson. Trai nor gave an oroV for liquor and cigars to tbe value of £9 odd. He i eld witness that several young fellows were going to have a " spread " that evening, and witness was to be sue and forw ird the liquor by rail ihir evenin? to Oroua Bridge. Witness asked his nam \ »ud ho replied that i f whs Bert. In payment, Trainor gave witness the cheque pro'iuoed drawn by Meters Cirter in f-*our of one Bert for £81. G-tve aceu«-d the balance in ciai), amounting to £21 15». Tbe tfood* were forwarded to Oroua Bridge by rail addressed to Bert. The cbrque wan cashed ut «he Hank by W. B- Hall.

W. B. Hall, barman at the Clarendon Hotel, deposed to haying heard the »c cused Trainor t.'il Mr Howe that bis. name wan Bert. Witness canned the cheque ft' the Bank of New Zealand, Palmerston, win- re Mr Howe had an account W. J. Cunmngh -m, clerk at the Bank of New Zealund, P;i'n.ert»ton North, deposed to having casbp.l cheque pioduced for £81. J. A. MoEenzie, clerk at Bank of New Zealand, Foxton. had given tha cheque to Mr Nixon, of the Bank of Australasia, Fozton. A. E. Nixon, of the Bank of Australasia. Foxton, deposed tv having debited the cheque jiroriused 10 Mease* Carter. Prisoners ivnerved their dpfance and were commute I fo r Mini. »t next session* of the SupreniL- Court at Wanganui. —ManawHtu Times.